Pipe coating machine



Sept. 13, 1949. A. o. MICKELSON PIPE COATING MACHINE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 8, 1945 INVENTOR.

ZZZ/78a Off/M6: [6071, BY Z l p 1949. A. o. MICKEVLSON 2,482,021

PIPE COATING MACHINE Filed Jan. 8, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR.

Patented Sept. 13, 1949 PIPE COATING MACHINE 4 Alfred 0. Mickelson, Elmhurst, IlL, assignor to Pipe Line Service Corporation, Franklin Park,

Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application January 8, 1945, Serial No. 571,942 8 Claims. (Cl. 91-32) This invention relates to power driven coating machines adapted to travel along a pipe line and to supply a uniform layer of coating material thereto. This invention was originally described in Patent 2,370,254, issued to me February 7, 1945, of which this application is a continuation in part.

It is a main object of the invention to pro--. vide a coating machinecapable of being used on pipe lines of difierent diameters, and capable of being quickly changed from one size of pipe line to another.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved shoe capable of being supplied with coating material, either from the bottom or the top of the shoe.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a coating shoe which is capable of being quickly adjusted to apply a desired thickness of coating material to a specific size of pipe.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved means for adjusting the position of the shoe on the pipe to make the shoe coaxial with the pipe,

Still another object of the invention is to provide a coating shoe which can be cheaply manufactured and maintained in operative condition at low cost.

Further objects of the invention not specifically mentioned here will be apparent from the detailed description and claims which follow, reference being had to the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown by way of example and in which:

Figure 1 is an end elevational view of the shoe on a pipe:

Figure 2 is a top side plan view of the shoe shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along the line 3-3 of Figure 2 looking in the direction of the arrows; and

Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross sectional view taken substantially along the line at 4-4 Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows and showing also a modified form of shoe.

Pipe line coating machines adapted to be carried by and to be moved along a pipe line may be equipped with wrapping mechanism such as is shown in my above mentioned co-pending application to enable the machine to apply a layer of coating material on the pipe and to wrap one or more layers of wrapping material thereover.

Machines of this type sometimes omit the wrapping mechanism; that is, the machine is equipped only to apply coating material to the pipe. The

present invention relates more particularly to the coating mechanisms of such a machine, the wrapping part of the machine being covered in said co-pending application.

The present invention, while it relates to traveling type machines, is not limited to such applications. In certain instances the machines are stationary and a length of pipe is moved through the machine, either with a longitudinal movement or with a movement that combines rotation with longitudinal movement. The present invention relates to a coating shoe which may be used in both of the foregoing types of machines to advantage.

The drawings illustrate a coating shoe of the general type shown in the Patent 2,305,005, issued to Henry, December 15, 1942, and although the present invention may be considered an improvement upon a shoe of this type, its teachings are not limited to the specific type of shoe shown by way of example.

Pipe and tubes vary in outside diameter over a considerable range. For example-a so-called three inch standard tubing will have an outside diameter smaller than a three inch heavy tubing,

and still smaller than a three inch extra heavy tubing. Obviously, if a specific thickness of coating material is to be applied to such tubings the coating shoe must be different for each. Heretofore a coating shoe has been made for one specific external diameter of pipe or tube and if a. machine has been used on pipes of different ou side diameters a difierent shoe has been provided for each pipe diameter. This requires that a large number of shoes of various sizes be provided, and oftentimes the diiferences between the various shoes have been so slight as to cause confusion.

The present invention solves this problem by building a coating shoe which consists of a plurality of sections, each of which is arcuate, and these sections are yieldably joined together to form a generally cylindrical member adapted to encircle the pipe. Each of the plurality of sections going in to form this shoe is provided with a flange-like member at each of its ends, which flange members extend radially inwardly toward the pipe. Mounted upon the flanges are sub-rings which extend from the innermost edge of the flange toward the pipe, these sub-rings terminating on an inner circle having a diameter such that the inner edge of the ring is spacedirom the outer surface of the pipe at distance which causes the shoe to apply a desired thickness of coating material to the pipe.

Each shoe may be provided with a plurality of sub-rings each having a diiferent inside diameter, to enable the shoe to apply a given thickness of coating to a number of tubes of different outside diameter, and also to apply different thicknesses of coating material to a tube of fixed outside diameter.

At the front or leading end of the shoe a funnel-like shape may be given to the flanges on the sections of shoe to enable the shoe to ride over welds and other external protuberances in the pipe's surface as the shoe is moved along the pipe, or the pipe is moved through the shoe. Ordinarily, the flange at the front or leading end of the shoe is extended into rather close proximity to the pipes surface, regardless of the thickness of the coating to be applied, the object of this flange being to confine the coating material within the shoe.

In certain instances the use of sub-rings on the front or leading end of the shoe, as well as on the trailing end of the shoe, is contemplated. These sub-rings are shaped to give the desired contour to the front end of the shoe and arranged to be readily removable therefrom to permit adjusting the shoe to various conditions.

In order that the coating shoe may apply a uniform thickness of coating material around the pipe or tube it is necessary that the axis of the shoe coincide accurately with the axis of the pipe. To this end the present invention provides a new and improved adjusting means consisting of runner-like members pivotally mounted within the coating shoe and adapted to ride on the pipe. Adjusting means such as stud screws extend through the shoe and engage the runners. Rotation of the screws moves the runners and enables quick adjustment of the shoe in true concentricity with the pipe.

Referring now to the drawings in more detailin the embodiment shown by way of example the shoe consists of three arcuate members I, 2 and 3. each of which embraces an arc of 120 degrees. These three members are joined together by suitable means such as hinges 4 and 5 to form a generally cylindrical shoe. Sections I and 2 each carry outwardly projecting ears 6 to which supporting members I are attached and extended to the framework of the machine to support the shoe therein. The uppermost sections I and 2 each contain projections which together form an upwardly extending funnel 8, through which coating material may be supplied to the shoe and the lowermost section 3 carries a pipe nipple 9 through which coating material may be supplied to the shoe when fed from the bottom. Section I and 2 may also be equipped with hooks III to which chains or other means for dragging the shoe along the pipe may be attached.

Usually the shoe is constructed of cold rolled steel and the members are attached together by welding. As will be best seen in Figure 3 the arcuate sections I, 2 and 3 are provided with a ring-like member or flange I I located at the trailing end of the shoe. The inner end of this flange may be tapered as shown, and terminated at a distance from the outer surface of the pipe greater than the thickest coating that the shoe is adapted to apply. Mounted upon flange II in any preferred manner such as by stud screws I2, is a sub-ring I3 which is divided in sections corresponding in number to the number of arcuate sections. The sub-ring I3 extends inwardly from the inner edge of the flange II into juxtaposition to the outer surface of the pipe, the sub-ring terminating on a circle spaced from the pipe a distance equal to the desired thickness of coating as indicated at I4. Various sub-rings I3 may be provided to vary the distance I4 as required. As shown, the flange I I and sub-rings I3 are each provided with shoulders I5 which register together to locate the sub-ring in definite position with respect to the flange. The sub-rings may be hardened steel or if desired may be composed -of an alloy or other suitable material.

Figure 3 also shows sections I, 2 and 3 having a flange III to which sub-ring I1 is attached by suitable means, such as stud screws I8. Subrings section I! are shaped to form an entrance openin I9 leading into the shoe, the sub-ring extending into close proximity to the outer surface of the pipe. The shape of the surface I9 forming the entrance port is such as to enable the shoe to ride over welds 20 or other protuberances in the outer surface of the pipe.

Mounted within the shoe on the inner surfaces of sections I, 2 and 3 are a plurality of anchor blocks 2| which are generally U-shaped and carry a shaft 22, which serves as a support for a runner 23, as will be best seen in Figure 4. Shaft 22 is fixed in the block by suitable means such as cotter pins 22. The front or leading edge 24 of the runner is arcuate and connects with a trailing section 25 that engages the pipe. The arcuate portion 24 enables the runner to ride over wclds such as 20. The pipe engaging portion of the runner is beveled to present a small surface contact with the pipe. Preferably the runners are composed of steel and are hardened to decrease wear.

In order to provide for adjustment, in the example shown sections I, 2 and 3 each carry a plurality of threaded bosses 26, through which adjusting screws 21 are threaded. These screws engage the runners and by turning the screw the runner is rotated on its pivot toward or away from the pipe. By manipulating th plurality of adjusting screws 21, the shoe can be set on the pipe so that its axis coincides with the axis of the pipe. When this adjustment is achieved the adjusting screws 21 are locked by locknuts 28, to hold the adjustment.

In operation the shoe is placed around the pipe and adjusted so as to be concentric with it and equipped with sub-rings of proper size to place the desired thickness of coating on the pipe, the size of sub-ring being used being determined by the outside diameter of the pipe and the kind of coating material to be used. Some coating materials are relatively thick even when heated to proper application temperature, while others are very thin at this temperature, and sub-ring sizes are chosen with this factor in mind. If the coating material is to be applied to the shoe from the top, nipple 9 is provided with a suitable cap and the material is poured into the shoe through a funnel 8, the rate of pouring bein such as to keep the shoe full to overflowing at all times. If the shoe is to be fed from the bottom the supply tube is connected to the nipple 9 in the manner best seen in the Henry patent, and material supplied at such rate as to cause the shoe to overflow through the funnel 8.

Relative movement of the pipe and shoe is set up either by moving the shoe along the pipe or by moving the pipe through the shoe and this movement causes a film of material on the pipe to pass through the opening I4 and out of the shoe. When an obstruction such as weld 20 is encountered the shoe opens somewhat and some matebodiment of the invention flange carried by the sections l. 2 and 3 has approximately the same cross sectional area as the flange I5 and sub-ring ii, and this flange 30 is formed with an arcuate surface 3! that forms the entrance port into the shoe. The surface 3| extends into close proximity to the outer surface of the pipe that the shoe is designed to handle, and when used on pipes or tube of slightly smaller outside diameter the space between the leading flange and pipe is increased and some coating material may escape from the shoe thru this space, however, the relative movement of the pipe and shoe tends to prevent the material from escaping.

The shoe of the present invention is possessed of many advantages. The main body of the shoe can be cheaply constructed as a rigid, serviceable unit. The sub-rings can be hardened or constructed of a material difi'erent from that of the body of the shoe, if desired. The use of the subrings enables the pipe coater to equip the shoe to enable it to meet the specification as to thickness of the coating material more exactly than has been possible heretofore, and maintenance of the shoe is decreased, since the wearing parts are all readily replaceable Without disturbing the main structure of the shoe.

While I have chosen to show my invention by illustrating and describing a preferred embodiment of it, I have done so by way of example only, as there are many modifications and adaptations which can be made by one skilled in the art within the teachings of the invention.

Having thus complied with the statutes and shown and described a preferred embodiment of my invention, what I consider new and desire to have protected by Letters Patent is pointed out in the appended claims.

Whatv is claimed is:

1. In a pipeline coating machine, a generally cylindrical coating shoe formed of a plurality of sections pivotally fixed together, means supporting said shoe in said machine, a flange fixed on one end of said shoe and extending radially inwardly therefrom toward a pipeline, 2. second flange fixed on the other end of said shoe and extending radially inwardly therefrom, a sub-ring fixed on said second flange and extending therefrom inwardly toward the pipeline and terminating at a distance from the pipeline equal to a desired thickness of coating to be applied on the pipeline by the shoe, said first and second flanges and said sub-ring all being formed in a plurality of sections corresponding to the sections of said shoe, and means for supplying coating material to the shoe for application thereby to a pipeline.

2. In a shoe for coating pipe, a plurality of arcuate sections hinged together and forming a generally circular cylindrical shoe encircling the pipe, anchor blocks fixed on said sections and projecting radially inwardly therefrom, pipe engaging runners pivoted on said blocks and extending therefrom so as to engage a pipe line over a band of appreciable length and width, and adjusting means carried by said sections and en- 6 gaging said runners and operable to adjust the runners to set the shoe coaxially on the pipe.

3. In a shoe for coating pipe, a plurality of arcuate sections hingedly secured together and forming a generally cylindrical shoe encircling the pipe, pivot means secured to said sections within the shoe, runners yieldably fixed on said pivot means and extending therefrom toward one end of the shoe and adapted to engage a pipe line over a band of appreciable length and width, and

adjusting screws carried by said sections and engaging said runners and operable to adjust the runners to set the shoe co-axially on the pipe.

4. In a shoe for coating pipe, a plurality of arcuate sections each having an inwardly extending flange at each end, means holding said sections together to form a cylinder which surrounds the pipe, ring section means on said flanges extending inwardly therefrominto juxtaposition to the pipe, and means removably fixing said ring section means on said flanges.

5. In a shoe for coating pipe, a plurality of arcuate sections each having an inwardly extend ing flange at each end, means holding said sections together to form a cylinder which surrounds the pipe, ring section means on said flanges extending inwardly therefrom into juxtaposition to the pipe, means removably fixing said ring section means on said flanges and means on each of said sections engaging said pipe for holding said ring means a definite distance from the pipe.

6. In a shoe for coating pipe, a plurality of arcuate sections each having an inwardly extending flange at each end, means holding said sections together to form a cylinder which surrounds the pipe, ring section means on said flanges extending inwardly therefrom into juxtaposition to the pipe, means removably fixing said ring section means on said flanges and means including runners pivotally mounted on each of said sections and engaging said pipe along lines extending longitudinally thereof for holding said ring means a definite distance radially outward from the pipe.

7. In a shoe for coating pipe, a plurality of arcuate sections secured together and forming a generally cylindrical shoe which encircles and is spaced away from the pipe, flange means on the ends of said sections extending radially inwardly therefrom toward the pipe, ring section means fixed on one of said flange means and extending therefrom toward the pipe and arranged to permit placing a particular thickness of coating material on the pipe, means on the other flange means having an arcuate surface adjacent the pipe for enabling the shoe to ride over irregularities projecting from the pipe surface, anchor blocks fixed on said sections within the shoe, pipe engaging runners pivoted on said blocks, and adjusting means extending through said sections and engaging said pipe engaging runners and operable to set the shoe coaxially of the pipe. 7

8. A shoe for coating pipe comprising, a plurality of segmental members, means holding said members together to form a generally cylindrical shoe which surrounds the pipe, a segmental ring each section of which is fixed to one end of one of said segmental members and extended inwardly toward the pipe, a second segmental ring each section .of which is fixed to the other end of said segmental members and extended inwardly toward the pipe, a sub-ring divided into sections corresponding to and disposed on the 7 sections of said first segmental ring and extending inwardly therefrom into juxtaposition'to the pipe. said sub-ring having a surface external to said shoe and shaped to guide the ring over protuberances on the outer surface of the pipe, 2- second sub-ring divided into sections corresponding to and disposed on the sections of said second segmental ring and extending inwardly therefrom into juxtaposition to the pipe, a surface on said second sub-ring internal to said shoe and shaped to enable the shoe to place a coating of the desired thickness on the pipe, and means for removably securing said sub-rings on said segmental rings.

ALFRED 0. MICKELSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the flle of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,893,937 Gardiner June 10, 1933 1,951,085 Cumfer Mar. 13, 1934 2,014,378 Gardiner et a1, Sept. 17, 1935 2,188,001 Duaei Jan. 23, 1940 2,305,005 Henry Dec. 15, 1942- 2344264 Perrault Mar. 14, 1944 2,370,254 Mickelson Feb. 27, 1945 

